Elena Margarita Pacanins de Aizcorbe,  born March 20, 1932, passed away on September 11, 2020 in Gastonia, NC. A native of Venezuela, Elena and her late husband came to the U.S. in 1959 from where they lived in Habana, Cuba to escape the Castro regime.
In 1964, the Aizcorbe Family decided to make Belmont their permanent home where Elena was a mother of four, a homemaker and worked with her late husband, Dr Raul C Aizcorbe, as his bookkeeper for many years. In the early years, Elena was team mom for the Belmont Abbey soccer team, was active in her church and served with Belmont Community Action. She was a patron of the arts, loved traveling, but above all loved her family. She was self-appointed family historian and made certain that her children were familiar with the extended family tree.
Elena is survived by son, Raul Cesar Aizcorbe, Jr. of Evans, GA; daughter Maria Elena Bowling and husband Mark, of Lamar,SC; son, Carlos Luis Aizcorbe and wife Christy of Gastonia, NC; son Francisco Tomas Aizcorbe and his wife Abbie of Huntersville, NC; grandchildren Michelle Peterson, Christopher Aizcorbe, Nicholas Aizcorbe, M.D., Regina Hope Aizcorbe, Tomas Aizcorbe, Jimmy Moody, Aaron Crumbley and wife Jaci, and four great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, Raul Cesar Aizcorbe M.D., parents Francisco Pacanins Acevedo and MariaTeresa Gil de Pacanins; brother Carlos Pacanins and sister Dolores Pacanins de Gómez.  
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at Queen of the Apostles Church with Father Paul Buchanon officiating. The family received friends 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm prior to the service. Burial followed in Belmont Abbey Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Angels, 6600 Wilkinson Blvd., Belmont, NC 28012.
Condolence messages may be sent online at www.mcleanfuneral.com. McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is serving the Aizcorbe family.

Belmont – Madeline “Mackie” McConnell Ray, 74 went to be with the Lord on August 31, 2020 at Atrium Health - Pineville, NC.
Mackie was born in Charlotte, NC to the late Walter Alexander McConnell and Margaret Elmena Grice McConnell.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ronnie McConnell.
Mackie was an active member of Park Street United Methodist Church for over 40 years.  She served with the UMW and other groups at church.  She was a graduate of Mt. Holly High School where she played on one of the schools’ first girls basketball teams.  Mackie was one of the original employees of McDonalds in Belmont and continued to frequent there as a customer with her husband Wayne. She was a feisty and sweet lady and greatly enjoyed helping others.  Mackie never met a stranger and spent much of her time talking with “anyone that would listen” – she will be greatly missed by all.  Mackie loved the outdoors and worked in her flower beds and gardens up until her death.  She and Wayne loved their birds.  They knew all the species and could identify most of them by name. More than anything, she treasured time spent with family and friends.
Mackie is survived by her soulmate and best friend of 57 years, Wayne Ray; her sons, Steve Ray and wife Dana, Alan Ray and wife Heather; her beloved grandchildren, Hayden, Davis, Cooper, Devin, Cole, Kara, and Kendall; her brother, Walter McConnell and his wife Vicki, and sister-in-law, Carolyn McConnell; and brother-in-law Lanny Ray and wife Lancy.
Services will be private.  In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Belmont Community Organization (BCO) located at 91 Catawba St, Belmont, NC 28012.  (704) 825-4526
Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, a card or phone call to Wayne, Alan and Steve will be greatly appreciated.
Please visit www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com to share your condolences and memories.
Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia (704) 864-5144 is serving the Family.

GASTONIA - Yates Edward Abernethy, 88, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at his home, surrounded by family. He was born in Gaston County, son of the late Everette Roy Abernethy and Connie Smith Abernethy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Marie Foster Abernethy; and his brothers, Jerry Abernethy and Troy Abernethy.
Mr. Abenethy was a graduate of Belmont High School and played on the inaugural Red Raider football team. He was an avid South Point football fan. Mr. Abernethy served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy during the Korean era. He was a founding member of the Belmont Historical Society and a lifelong member of Centerview Baptist Church. He was retired from the City of Charlotte at Charlotte Douglas Airport.
Mr. Abernethy is survived by his children, Sheila A. Thrower and husband, David, Sharon Kaye Abernethy, and Trina A. Deaton and husband, Mark; his grandchildren, Jonathan Thrower, Emily Thrower, Christopher Deaton and wife, Hannah, Justin Deaton and wife, Anna, and Leah Deaton; his great-grandchildren, Malek Deaton and Abagail Deaton; and his best buddy, Baxter.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2020 at Centerview Baptist Church, Belmont. A service to celebrate his life well lived will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the church.
Memorials may be made to Gaston Hospice by visiting www.gastonhospice.org.
Condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.woodlawnfuneral.org. Woodlawn Funeral Home of Mount Holly is caring for the Abernethy family.

Carl Rome Williams, 85, of Mount Holly, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at Caromont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia.  He was born in Gaston County, son of the late Jessie and Edith Wentz Williams.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six siblings.  Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 63 years Sue Ingle Williams; children Karen Broome, Toni O’Donahue (Dean), and Carol Woodard; a sister Jane Williams; two grandchildren Emily Stowe (Koley) and David Felton (Mandy); as well as two great grandchildren Parker Felton and Hayden Stowe.  The family greeted guests from 2 until 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at Catawba Heights Baptist Church (The Heights), 311 Belmont Mt Holly Road, Belmont.  A service to celebrate Carl’s life was held immediately following at 4:00 p.m. also at the church.
Arrangements are in the care of Woodlawn Funeral Home, Mount Holly.  Online condolences may be left at www.woodlawnfuneral.org. 

Katherine Lee Henry Fite, 72, of Gastonia, NC, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2020.
Born September 25, 1947 in Missouri, Kathy grew up in White Plains, NY. She was a 1965 graduate of White Plains Senior High School and 1967 graduate of Gardner-Webb College.
Kathy was employed with WBTV with the Betty Feezor Show and Top of the Day. She later opened The Needle and Brush in Belmont, NC. After retiring, she enjoyed gardening and singing with her church choir.
Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Stephen Fite, parents Raymond and Bernadine “Dean” (Miller) Henry of Gastonia, NC, and brother Gary Henry, Columbia, SC.
Local survivors include Kathy’s cousin Ann Lampley Pharr (Shelby, NC); former sister-in-law Susan Fite Lovelace and husband, Jerry, (Kings Mountain, NC) and other family members.
Arrangements are incomplete at this time.
Memorials may be made to her church, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 258 West Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28052.

Dillard “Don” William Hyde
Belmont - Dillard “Don” William Hyde, loving husband, father, and PopPop went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 1, 2020 at the age of 83.

Don was a graduate of Belmont High School, Central Piedmont Community College and attended Charlotte College (now UNCC). After serving in the United States Army,  Don worked at Celanese Corporation in Charlotte for 30 years. He volunteered his time with the Athletic Department of his beloved Red Raiders at South Point High School where he and his wife, Nancy served for many years with the Big Red Booster Club.  In addition to volunteering at SPHS, Don served on the Gaston County Parks and Recreation Board along with the Belmont Optimist Club. One of his greatest honors was being a mentor to many young people in the Belmont community.  All those who knew him were touched by his generosity, graciousness, and loving spirit. He lived by the mantra “Give nothing of yourself to others and eventually there will be nothing worth giving.”
Don was a long time member of both First Baptist Church and South Point Baptist Church in Belmont where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and youth recreation advocate.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Nancy Buckner Hyde, two loving sons Kent (Cynthia) and Lee (Shelly), daughter Christy of Nashville, TN, and five beautiful granddaughters, Caroline, Olivia, Allie, Amy, and Alyssa. He is also survived by his brothers Ted of Belmont and Dennis of Spotsylvania, VA, and a sister, Betty (Carroll) of Belmont. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ned and Margie Hyde, brothers, Hubert and Edd, and sisters Eliza, Lexie, Ida, and Emma.
Mr. Hyde will lie in state for public viewing from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, 23 North Central Avenue, Belmont, North Carolina.  Due to the pandemic, the family will NOT be present.
A graveside service will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 6 at Greenwood Cemetery, Belmont with Pastor Joe Lawing and Pastor Andrew Renfroe officiating.  Military Honors will be provided by the North Carolina National Guard and Gaston Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to South Point High School Athletic Department “Big Red Booster Club”, 906 South Point Road, Belmont, NC 28012 or Cystic Fibrosis, Carolinas Chapter, Charlotte Office, 4600 Park Road, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28209.
Online condolences may be made at:  www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com
Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC  (704) 864-5144 is serving the Hyde family.a

Dawn “Dawnie” Starling Royal, of Pamplin, Va., peacefully departed her earth suit and her spirit entered the presence of her Lord on June 21, 2020. Dawn was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Born January 11, 1949, in Charlotte, N.C., she was the daughter of Marie Brown Starling and the late Edgar L. Starling. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 52 plus years, W. Durwood Royal of Pamplin; a daughter, Tiffany Royal Powell and husband, Randy of Lyons, Ga.; a son, Andre Royal and wife, Jennifer of Appomattox, Va.; grandchildren, Roman Davis and wife, Nerlene of Tagbilaran City, Philippines, Justin Davis of Claxton, Ga., Hannah Royal of Harrisonburg, Va., and Grace Royal of Appomattox, Va.; great-grandson, Avalent Davis and his mother, Alishia Gay of Claxton, Ga.; and Dawn’s mother, Marie B. Starling of Belmont, N.C.
Dawn graduated from Western Illinois University. Her dream was to write children’s books but she never had one published. She loved English literature, and as she called it “nest building” with her family on her organic farm although the past few years she was not able to garden. She enjoyed traveling and was blessed to visit a lot of interesting places but always would say “there’s no place like home’. She was an accomplished pianist who taught her children and grandchildren how to read music and play the piano.
A graveside funeral service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, Belmont, N.C. on Thursday, June 25, 2020, at 2:30 p.m., with Rev. Harry Davis officiating.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Appomattox, Va.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in her memory to Christian Aid Mission, 1201 5th Street Extended, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. An online condolence may be sent by visiting www.robinsonfuneral.com.

Gail  Lane Tucker, 84, of Mount Holly passed away June 14, 2020. She was born January 10, 1936 in Gaston County, a daughter of the late Ewell Clayton Lane and  Nina Shetley Lane.

Gail was a homemaker and an amazing seamstress. She enjoyed crafting, cooking, baking, and anything chocolate. Gail was a breast cancer survivor and a member of Park Street United Methodist Church. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who will be missed by many.
Gail is survived by her sons, Greg Tucker and wife, Vicki of Gastonia, and Clay Tucker of Mount Holly; granddaughter, Dr. Emilee Tucker; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and caregivers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Bobby Donald Tucker; sisters, Margaret Jolley, Faye McMahan, Dottie Warren, and Nancy Ottinger; brother, Frances Lane; and granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth Tucker.     
Services will be private for family and friends. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Susan G. Komen, info-komen.org/site/Donation; 2316 Randolph Rd. Charlotte, NC 28207.
Condolence messages may be sent online at www.mcleanfuneral.com. McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is serving the Tucker family.

Belmont – Robert “Bob” Sterling Coleman, 76, passed away on May 4, 2020 at Stanley Total Living Center.  He was born in Gaston County on July 10, 1943, the only son of the late Dalwin and Elsie Brewer Coleman.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Amanda Coleman.
Bob was a member of Park Street United Methodist Church Belmont.  He was a very loving husband and father.  Prior to his retirement, he was President of Dixon Ford Motor Company.  He always took pride in caring for his employee’s and his customers.  Throughout his life he volunteered his time to helping others through his church, the Red Cross, UMCOR, Shriners Tripsters, BCO and other community service organizations.  Bob cared for everyone; he was a kind and caring soul.  He will be remembered for his integrity and as a man that was respected by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Shirley Styers Coleman; son, Sterling Coleman; daughter, Sharon Coleman and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank the staff of Stanley Total Living Center and especially the caregivers in the 400 unit who have been like family for the past two years.
Due to COVID-19, burial will be private with a Memorial Service and receiving of friends at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bob’s memory to Park Street United Methodist Church, 120 Park Street, Belmont, NC 28012 and/or Shriners Hospitals for Children, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.
Condolences may be made to www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com
Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia 704-864-5144 is serving the Family.